South Pacific pairs partnership on a roll

Hemi Palmer and Scott Bateup are making their once-a-year partnership count after charging into tomorrow's quarter-finals of the pairs at the South Pacific carnival.

The 2011 pairs champions haven't played a tournament together since being eliminated in the sectional round 12 months ago but advanced to the last eight this campaign following wins over Towradgi's Graham Richards-Richard Bennett (18-14) and Jamberoo's Mick Souter-Alan Pirie (15-9) yesterday.

"We haven't played together since last year but we know each other's game and go back to the juniors together," Palmer said.

"It's been a hit or miss tournament for us. First year we bombed out, the next year we won it, then last year we bombed out again in the sectional round and now we're through to the quarters.

"You don't know what's around the corner, you just hope to get through your section and then hit your straps. So far so good."

Palmer and Bateup will be teammates at Wiseman Park in 2013, with Palmer returning after a year with The Entrance and Bateup joining from Dapto Citizens.

The pair face Kiama's Michael Tarbutt and Brad Rossiter for a spot in the semi-finals, with the Kiama pair beating Albion Park's Roger Duggan and Dean Aitkin 15-11 in round three.

Meanwhile, Windang's Geoff Walker and Mark Larsen will take on father and son Eric and Kyle Johannes in a quarter-final tomorrow.

Both teams were in great touch in their two wins yesterday.

Meanwhile, Shane Garvey remains in contention for an unprecedented clean sweep of singles, pairs and fours titles after he and Rob Smith eliminated Garry Sampson and Wes Falconer 20-12 in round three.

In the six playing days of the South Pacific, Garvey has already played 17 matches for just one loss in pairs. Four-time pairs champion John Green and partner Michael Clarke set up a quarter-final clash against Smith-Garvey after a 17-7 win over Wiseman Park's Dave Warman and Glenn Taylor.

Meanwhile, St John's Park visitors Robert Cook and Kevin Cashman are enjoying their run to the quarter-finals and face the composite pair of David Dilworth and Simon Lyttle.

Despite having to get a lift home after his car broke down near Picton last Saturday, Cook is loving his first carnival.

And a split of $2400 prizemoney for winning the pairs would come in handy for Cook in replacing his busted alternator.

"I'll need to borrow my partner's car for another day now we're in the quarters," he said.